Obituary of Linda Diane Stroster

Linda Diane Stroster (née Mechling), a beloved and dedicated nurse, mother, and friend, passed away in July 2023 at the age of 73. She will be remembered and honored during a gravesite ceremony on July 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at All Faiths Memorial Park Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona. The ceremony will be assisted by Brings Funeral Home.

Linda was born in October 1949 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, to Wilda Larue Mechling Markby (née Gearhart) and Dick M. Mechling, Sr. She graduated from Elderton High School in Elderton, Pennsylvania, in 1967. Linda pursued her passion for nursing and graduated from Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.

With an illustrious career spanning 50 years, Linda began her nursing journey at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After working as a staff nurse for several years, she was promoted to the position of evening supervisor for six surgical units. Linda's dedication, knowledge, and compassion shone through her work, and she consistently went above and beyond to help patients, families, and her fellow hospital staff, particularly the nurses.

Linda's impact extended beyond her nursing duties. She served as a role model and teacher for staff nurses and became a mentor and confidant to many of the Unit Directors in the surgical division. Her move to Tucson saddened those who had the privilege of working with her, but they knew she would find a hospital where her exceptional personality, work ethic, high standards, and morals would continue to inspire and uplift even more nurses.

Her former coworker and longtime friend, Nancy Kost, described Linda as the perfect workmate—compassionate, caring, smart, and efficient. Linda selflessly put others before herself, always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether at work or on vacation, she made every moment enjoyable. Linda was a true friend to all who knew her.

Another coworker who became a close friend, Janet Peternel, shared that those surrounding Linda felt she was a dedicated, knowledgeable, caring individual who consistently went above and beyond to help patients, families, and all hospital staff- especially the nurses.

Her former supervisor, Barbara, expressed that Linda was a remarkable woman with an ability to handle critical situations calmly. During a hospital power failure, she swiftly organized staff to manually care for patients, saving lives until power was restored. She was greatly appreciated by nursing staff, always willing to help and support them in times of need. She was dedicated to the hospital's well-being, supporting various causes and events wholeheartedly. Her sense of humor, filled with understanding and light-heartedness, endeared her to everyone around her. Overall, Linda's caring nature and genuine love for people made her an exceptional human being.

Linda was preceded in death by her loving husband, John P. Stroster, with whom she shared 25 years of marriage until his passing in February 2001. She is survived by her two children, John A. Stroster and April Rebok (née Stroster), as well as her cherished granddaughters, Allison and Kobe Rebok. Linda also leaves behind her four younger siblings: Carol Adams (née Mechling), Dick Mechling, Jr., Mark Mechling, and Vickie Walters (née Mechling).

Throughout her remarkable career, Linda made significant contributions to the nursing profession. She served as a nursing supervisor at the former Presbyterian University Hospital, now known as UPMC Presbyterian. Additionally, Linda was one of the first S.T.A.T nurses at Tucson Medical Center. After years as a resource nurse, she returned to bedside care and concluded her career at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tucson.

Linda Diane Stroster will be fondly remembered as a consummate nurse, inspiring and mentoring an entire generation of healthcare staff. Her dedication, knowledge, and unwavering compassion touched countless lives. Linda's legacy will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, colleagues, and the nursing community she enriched throughout her life.